Hawarden man Steve Griffiths aims to educate on Welsh history with his shield making

Hawarden man Steve Griffiths aims to educate on Welsh history with his shield making

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MOST people spend their free time out of work going to the gym, cooking, or playing sports. But Steve Griffiths has an usual passion he indulges in. Reporter DAVE GOODBAN reports

S teve Griffiths is a man on a mission. The 44-year-old from Hawarden left school with an O-level in history, his favourite subject. But it was only after he finished at Ysgol Maes Garmon in Mold when he learnt about Owain Glyndr, the last Welshman to hold the title Prince of Wales.

And researching the former Welsh ruler, voted 23rd in a 2002 poll of 100 Greatest Britons, truly whetted Steve’s appetite to pursue the passion which is now an integral part of his life.

When he’s not working shifts at a chemical company in Mostyn, the dad-of-two keeps himself occupied by indulging his passion for the old princes of Wales, creating – from scratch – replica shields depicting chapters of Welsh history.

Schools, churches and visitor centres throughout Flintshire and North Wales are among the grateful recipients of Steve’s handmade heraldic souvenirs. And he also prepares a framed history with every one.

Steve feels he is colourfully bringing to life a seemingly forgotten chapter of Wales’ past, known to historians as The Age of Welsh Princes.

“The shields are designed to stimulate interest, increase awareness and aid education,” he said.

“A lot of people don’t know anything about the local history where they live and I think it’s something people should know about because it’s part of what makes where you live the place it is.”

Steve will either come up with a new idea for a shield and approach a school, church or centre and offer his services, or produce a replica – which generally takes a week – and then set about finding a home for it.

The 44-year-old said: “Once I am able to determine a link between a certain institution and the old princes of medieval Wales, I then begin the task of constructing the appropriate coat of arms upon the shield.

“I then pass on my finished work to the appropriate people – and I am pleased to say that nobody has ever declined my offer!”

In 2007, not long after Steve began making the coats of arms, pupils of Castell Alun High School in Hope recreated a chapter of local history when they dressed in medieval attire and climbed the hill to ancient Caergwrle Castle.

The fortress was built in the 13th Century by Welsh prince Dafydd. And it was from here he launched his victorious attack on the English castle at Hawarden in 1282. Steve presented the school with a replica shield of Prince Dafydd.

Ysgol Maes Edwin Junior School in Flint Mountain received the shield of King Edwin, and Wepre Park Visitor Centre in Connah’s Quay was given the shield of Owain Gwynedd, who defeated King Henry II at the Battle of Ewloe Woods.

Steve created a memorial shield for St Eurgain and St Peter’s Church in Northop of King Edwin, who is buried there.

Other churches displaying the fruits of Steve’s labour include St Michael’s in Caerwys, which received the shield of Prince Dafydd whose wife is buried there.

And Llanasa Church near Mostyn was given the shield of Owain Glyndr, whose father was laid to rest in its grounds.

“English people know about Dickens, Cromwell, Shakespeare and Drake,” said Steve. “I want Welsh people to know about their heroes.